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What started as a planned march on Washington has turned into a global event. On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of women across the world will come together to make their voices heard in conjunction with the Women’s March on Washington.
The mission statement is simple and clear. According to the March’s official page: “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families — recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
We asked a handful of female-led brands why they’re choosing to support the marches this weekend and what causes are the most important to them. See their responses below, and see our list of organizations you can donate to or volunteer at, regardless of whether you’re planning to attend a march this weekend.
Leana Zuñiga, Electric Feathers
The Electric Feathers team is supporting and participating in the Women's March because we believe it's imperative to mobilize right now. We support all causes and organizations that champion human rights, and feel a sense of urgency to protect the environment because further harm is irrevocable and must be ameliorated.
We also support the ACLU and are hopeful that one day all individuals’ rights and liberties will be implicitly guaranteed. There are many other organizations doing great things and we are learning about them every day. This is an education for us all and we hope to participate in making the world a better place for ALL of us.
Kelsy Parkhouse, Carleen
I'm excited to be attending the Women's March with some of my best friends. I have a lot of reasons for going, but reproductive justice is pretty high on the list. I think, as a country, we need to do more to make abortion safe, legal, and truly available to anyone who thinks that it's the best choice for them.
The incoming administration has me extremely worried, and I think it's important to make our voices heard on this issue and many others. I also really want to elect a woman president in my lifetime! Representation matters, and I want to see our elected officials get more and more diverse.
As much as I love everything about Planned Parenthood and have used them for some of my own healthcare, I've been doing my best to support some less widely-known organizations that are doing really important work. A friend pointed me toward Women With A Vision, Sister Song, and National Advocates for Pregnant Women, all of which I want to devote more to this year especially!
Sali Christeson and Eleanor Turner, Argent
We march to give a voice to those who aren’t heard. We also march to raise awareness to people that think women’s equality is a silly cause and a non-issue.
We are both passionate about women’s health issues and are advocates of Planned Parenthood. Proceeds from every suit sold for the march are being donated to the organization.
Wray Cook, Wray
I’m attending the March in DC because I feel that it is important for the nation to know that women have a voice. I find support among women in my industry already and feel that we are stronger when we unite. The fashion industry generally does not make statements about women and politics, but as we grow to be a more woman-dominated industry (especially in the recent years), we’re seeing a strong resistance to the incoming administration. We find it very important to unite and show the world what we think.
Even as a smaller company, I know that there are things we can do to make a difference. We donate to Planned Parenthood and we contribute to women's education in developing countries. It's our hope that with the tools we can all provide for women, our nation and the world will see an increase in woman leadership.
One great organization that I recommend to support women is called the International Rescue Committee. For $58, you can provide a year of schooling for a girl in need in places like Lebanon, Congo, and Afghanistan. It's organizations like these that empower women to become world leaders and to have a voice.
Celine Semaan, Slow Factory
I support the Women's March on Washington because progress and women are intimately tied. We cannot allow our nations to go backwards, because there is still so much more to achieve: equal pay across ethnicity and religions and gender, reproductive rights, and basic human rights. Because racism is still alive and well, and we cannot allow it to be normal again.
As a refugee and immigrant, my heart goes out to all those forced to leave their home because of the wars of greed and terror. I support Black Lives Matter because as an Arab who has lived under white colonialism I can relate, and I want people to live with dignity and respect.
I’m marching for solidarity. To connect to women (and men) who are engaged in being watchdogs to protect our rights. We have to realize that the election wasn't the end of a fight, that this march does not culminate the battle. This is the beginning, so we need to organize and we need to roll up our sleeves and work. And to make our work matter we need to amplify. That is what is so powerful about this call to action.
We can support each other to make changes and to improve the community that immediately surrounds us. Working locally has an incredible impact and is an action we can take every day without the government's permission.
Becca McCharen, Chromat
The whole Chromat team believes in fighting for equality. There’s a feeling of paranoia, the end of truth and facts, and the dawning of a new era of persecution of “the other” in the current political climate. We know that no one is entitled to a happy ending, and this has further strengthened our drive to create the world we want to see: a diverse, inclusive world where woman of all races, ages, creeds, abilities, and places on the gender spectrum have equal opportunities.
We're huge fans of the Audre Lorde Project, a center for QPOC, and the Sadie Nash Leadership Project, a teen empowerment organization!
Maria Cornejo, Zero + Maria Cornejo
Regardless of politics, women’s right are human rights. There are so many causes that are near to my heart and I wish we could support them all at the same time. For the Women’s March on Washington, we are focusing on Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Human Rights Watch, organizations that fight to serve and protect our rights, our safety, our health, and our families.
Starr Hout, Apiece Apart
We’re honored to come together this week to march in solidarity with women — with our customers, sisters, families, children, friends, and communities. As a women-led brand in the fashion industry, it’s an opportunity to unite with our fellow business owners to amplify our voices and communicate messages of support, love, and in defense of our rights.
Casey Larkin Blond, Mr. Larkin
I’m marching for my daughter, my niece, my son, and the future generations. It’s our responsibility to make the difference, just as past generations have done for us. Our Denmark-based staff will be marching in solidarity in the Women’s March Copenhagen, and the Texas team will be marching in Women’s March on Austin.
Aurora James, Brother Vellies
The obvious answer [on why I support the march] is to say that “women's rights are human rights.” Which is true. But I think digging a little deeper for me, personally, it's to stand up for the women and kids out there who may be victims of sexual assault to say we hear you. You have a voice. We will not let your voice be discounted and we are here to stand up for you. We need to scream this message into existence until America becomes an echo chamber for unity.
Jill Martinelli and Sabine Le Guyade, Lady Grey
We support the Women’s March to stand together in solidarity and speak out for women's rights, for human rights, for healthcare, and for equality. There is so much at risk right now and we can't afford to be silent about any of it. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” And if you know anything about Lady Grey, we aren't quiet about what we stand for!
We’re particularly concerned about the state of health in this country right now. Access to healthcare is a human right.
Betsy Barron, Betsy Barron Jewelry
This is the most important time in many of our lifetimes to stand up and take our voice to the street! Not only are our reproductive rights being threatened, but our families are being denied healthcare and a proper public school education.
My passion lies in the health and wellbeing of our nation and world. Human rights (including a women's right to choose) and equal access to education are at the top. Given a solid education, the next generation will help save our society and our planet. Many of the politicians have already done so much damage and are reversing much of the good work and progress of the Civil Rights Movement, Roe v. Wade, and basic constitutional rights.
The main right being upheld is the right to bear arms, which should be treated very differently — screening for criminal record and mental illness, which is on a staggering rise, thanks to our broken healthcare system.
Lauren Brokaw, Stella & Bow
I'm supporting the Women's March because I do believe that women's rights are human rights. Growing up, my mom and dad both taught me that my voice matters and all people, no matter their race, gender, orientation, etc., deserve respect. I believe that anyone who has some sort of social platform should show support for those who don't. Having grown up in a family where charitable endeavors were very important, I wanted to continue this and support the march and women's rights through my work.
Carol Miltimore, Seek Collective
I plan to march on Saturday because I think it's very important to make our voices heard and known in ways that are peaceful and cause a fierce impact. The strength and determination of women are unstoppable. I support the march because I believe that women should have the power of choice over their own bodies and healthcare. I believe in equality for all races, religions, and genders. I believe that immigrants should be protected and valued. I believe that the environment and planet need to be safeguarded.
We are entering uncertain times, and frankly the new administration scares me. It's essential we continue to fight against injustice every day going forward. We have several years ahead of us to work hard at protecting the people and organizations that need it. We do not want to go backwards.
Nikki Kule, Kule
As a female business owner, I believe in solidarity with women. Women’s rights are human rights. This is a moment in time where we as members of the fashion community can come forward and voice our opinions. I don't want to take a back seat on issues that are important to me and women everywhere.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Are you a designer who is participating in the march? Leave a comment below to let us know.